Soon, the restaurant's kitchen brought out their meals. As they started eating, Mirabella couldn't help but notice that Nick, who normally used his left hand for everything, was awkwardly managing with his right today. Her eyes clouded with a hint of concern.
Earlier, when he had returned, she had caught a faint whiff of something medicinal lingering around him.
"Hey, Nick," she said casually, picking up a piece of rib, "besides Penelope, are the other three competitors big deals in the family?"
Nick, still fumbling with his chopsticks in his right hand, moved a bit sluggishly. He paused, giving her a wry smile. "I figured you'd be more curious about Penelope."
Mirabella arched an eyebrow, "Penelope's got skills, no doubt about it."
Despite the tension between them, Penelope had this undeniable charm that made it difficult to dislike her. Maybe it was her looks that softened the edges? Mirabella mused that her own tendency to get swayed by a pretty face might be her undoing one day.
Oh well.
"The other three, though from a branch of the family, are pretty impressive too. Even if they don't quite match Penelope, they're not to be underestimated. Their status in the family is definitely up there," Nick explained, taking his time.
It was their noteworthy standing that had brought their ambitions for succession to the forefront.
Mirabella nodded thoughtfully. "Got it."
If their status is high, then she'll just have to knock it down a peg.
Nick glanced at Mirabella, sensing there might be more to her questions than met the eye.
**Meanwhile, at another table:**
"Penelope, you didn't go easy on Miss Mira this morning, did you?" Jaime asked, looking across at Penelope. He'd been mulling over this for a while before finally speaking up.
Penelope's hand paused briefly, and she looked up, replying coolly, "No, her skills were clear enough for you to judge from where you were sitting."
Jaime knew Penelope was in a sour mood after losing the match, so he
let her tone slide. After a monet
said, "Her performance was a
surprise, but don't let it get to you This afternoon's shooting contest is more your speed." FindNovels
Penelope had lost her appetite and set her fork down with a noncommittal nod. "If Mr. Nick's hand weren't messed up, he might
have given you a run for your
today but alas, he's out taim money sighed, feigning regret.